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Why do an internship in Spain?

An internship in Spain can provide a multitude of benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. One of the most notable reasons to consider an internship in Spain is the chance for cultural immersion. The country is renowned for its rich history and unique traditions, and participating in an internship here allows you to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and gain a deeper understanding of the people, customs, and way of life. This experience can be incredibly enriching and provide a deeper appreciation for the country and its culture.

In addition to cultural immersion, Spain offers numerous career opportunities for students and young professionals. The country is home to many multinational corporations and startups, providing a wide range of internship opportunities in fields such as technology, finance, marketing, and more. This presents a valuable chance to gain hands-on experience and build a strong foundation for your future career.

For those who are studying Spanish or considering a career that requires Spanish proficiency, an internship in Spain can be particularly beneficial. Living and working in a Spanish-speaking country provides an opportunity to practice and improve your language skills, which can be a valuable asset in the job market.

Networking is another important aspect of internships, and Spain offers a variety of opportunities in this area. During your internship, you can connect with professionals in your field, build relationships, and make connections that can be valuable in the future. These connections can open doors to new opportunities and help you grow professionally.

The personal growth that comes from living and working in a foreign country can also be a significant benefit of an internship in Spain. Adjusting to a new environment and culture can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. It can help you develop independence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that Spain is a beautiful country renowned for its landscapes, beaches, historical landmarks, and rich culture. This makes it an attractive destination for an internship, providing a unique and memorable experience that can be enjoyed both personally and professionally.

In conclusion, an internship in Spain offers a range of benefits, from cultural immersion and career opportunities to language practice, networking, personal growth, and the chance to experience a beautiful country. All of these factors make Spain an ideal destination for students and young professionals looking to further their education and careers.

Learn more about internships in Spain.

So now we have covered why Spain is such a great choice for an internship, let’s take a look at the internship visa, including:-

• What an internship visa is
• Who needs one
• The cost of an internship visa
• How to apply
• Documents required
• And lots more..

What is an Internship Visa?

An internship visa for Spain is a type of visa that allows individuals to come to Spain (if not already here) for the purpose of participating in an internship program or training at a company or organisation. This type of visa is designed for individuals who are interested in gaining professional experience and exposure to Spanish business practices and culture.

To obtain an internship visa for Spain, individuals must have a confirmed internship placement and provide documentation such as a letter from the company or organisation offering the internship, proof of financial support during their stay, and a passport valid for at least 12 months after the intended date of departure from Spain.

Please note that visa requirements and procedures can change, so it's important to check the most up-to-date information from the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country before applying.

Who needs a visa for an internship?

An internship visa for Spain is required for individuals who are not citizens of a European Union (EU) country and who want to participate in an internship program or training in Spain. This includes individuals who are pursuing a career in a particular field and want to gain professional experience, as well as students who are required to complete an internship as part of their academic program.

If you are a citizen of an EU country, you do not need a visa to participate in an internship in Spain, as EU citizens have the right to live and work in any EU country without a visa. You will need to apply for an NIE number if your internship is longer than three months.

If you are a non-EU national and staying in Spain for longer than three months, you will need to register with the local authorities to obtain a TIE and NIE number.

It's important to note that visa requirements and procedures can change, so it's a good idea to check the most up-to-date information from the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country before travelling to Spain for an internship.

How much do internship visas cost?

The cost of an internship visa for Spain can vary depending on the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country.

As of January 2023, the cost of the professional internship visa (Contrato) is £427. However, the exact cost can be confirmed by the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country as prices may vary.

The 2023 fees from the London Consulate can be seen here.

How long are they valid for?

The validity of an internship visa for Spain depends on the length of the internship or training program, but can typically be up to one year. In some cases, the visa may be valid for a shorter period if the internship is shorter in duration.

How to apply for an internship visa

If you are a student or recent graduate currently residing in Spain and holder of another residence permit, you can make the request directly from Spain.

The company you are doing your internship with must first request the residence authorisation.

Once obtained, the student (if not residing in Spain) will need to then apply for the internship visa through the nearest Consulate in their home country.

If you are already resident in Spain, you may just need to extend the validity of your TIE residency card so that it covers you for the duration of your internship.

Required documents

The specific documents required for the internship visa may vary depending on the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country, but typically the following documents are required:

• Passport: A valid passport with at least 12 months of validity remaining beyond your intended date of departure from Spain. Passports must have at least two blank pages and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• Application form: A fully completed and signed visa application form.
• Passport-size photos: Two recent passport-sized photos.
• Proof of financial support: Evidence of financial support during your stay in Spain, such as bank statements or a letter from a sponsor.
• Proof of health insurance: A certificate of health insurance coverage that meets the requirements of Spanish law. At Health Plan, we can provide you with a policy and cover which meets with the official government requirements.
• Confirmation of internship placement: A letter from the company or organisation offering the internship, detailing the duration and conditions of the internship.
• Academic qualifications: Proof of your academic qualifications and experience relevant to the internship.
• Proof of accommodation: Proof of your intended accommodation during your stay in Spain, such as a rental agreement or a letter from a host family.
• Criminal background check: A criminal background check from your home country, if required by the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country. Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
• Medical Certificate: This needs to demonstrate that the applicant is free from any illnesses that could pose a significant public health risk.

Please note that this is a general list of the most common documents required for an internship visa in Spain, and that the specific requirements may be subject to change.

The documents above will also need to be provided to the host company when applying for your internship authorisation.

Note that any documents given to the Consulate or Embassy in your home country will be retained while your application is being processed.

Once you receive a favourable decision, you will have one month in which to collect your visa.

It's a good idea to check the most up-to-date information from the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country for the complete list of requirements and to inquire about any additional documents that may be required for your specific case.

How long does it take to get the visa?

The processing time for an internship visa for Spain can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the time of year, the volume of applications being processed, and the specific requirements of the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to obtain an internship visa for Spain.

It's important to apply for your internship visa as early as possible to ensure that you have enough time to complete the necessary procedures and obtain your visa before your intended travel date. You should also allow for unexpected delays and plan accordingly.

It's a good idea to check the most up-to-date information from the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country for the estimated processing time for an internship visa, and to inquire about any additional requirements or procedures that may be needed for your specific case.

Additionally, you should discuss the visa process with your host company or organisation to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the requirements and timeline for obtaining an internship visa for Spain.